Mr. HARRIS (Danforth):

I do not wish to debate this matter, but on a question of privilege, sir, I asked the minister a question, not about the red ensign which is at present flying over the building, but about the flags which are flying to the right and left. And I make this statement, that never before since confederation has this honourable house sat under flags which did not include the union jack.

Mr. MACKENZIE:

It does include the union jack; the union jack is part of our red ensign. Do you realize that?

Mr. SPEAKER:

The hon. member for Vancouver East.

Mr. ANGUS MacINNIS (Vancouver East):

Mr. Speaker, I should like to ask a question of the Acting Minister of Mines and Resources arising out of a comment appearing in the Globe and Mail of today respecting the statement the minister made yesterday in the house. The press report states that employers will be allowed to select persons in displaced persons camps and bring them here under contract. Would the minister care to make a statement on that point?

Right Hon. C. D. HOWE (Acting Minister of Mines and Resources):

Immigrants will

be selected by the immigration branch, with the advice and counsel of the Department of Labour. Where the Department of Labour gets its advice is for the Department of Labour to determine. I can see no objection should the advice be taken of people who will later agree to employ these displaced persons in a particular industry. But I should like to make it clear that the selection will be made by the immigration branch.

While I am on my feet I should like to answer a question asked yesterday by the hon. member for Peel (Mr. Graydon). I can now advise him that one thousand Dutch immigrants are sailing for Canada on June 17 of this year.

Mr. N. J. M. LOCKHART (Lincoln):

Mr. Speaker, I should like to ask a supplementary question in connection with Dutch immigrants. Can applications be received under the usual circumstances? I have received letters stating that they have been definitely turned down. Is there any provision prohibiting the entry of Dutch immigrants, or are they as free to come in as persons of other nationalities?

Mr. HOWE:

Dutch immigrants are free

to come in under the rules governing immigration. Under the government movement, Dutch immigrants are screened by the immigration branch. If they come forward and are found healthy and otherwise suitable for emigration to this country it is quite within their privilege to come to Canada. How fast they can be moved depends upon shipping. As I say, the first movement of one thousand will take place on June 17, which is next week.

Mr. GRAYDON:

Have these thousand Dutch immigrants had farm experience? If so, how will distribution be made throughout Canada?

Mr. HOVE:

I have not the background

in this type of movement which would permit my answering the question. It is my understanding however that many applications have been received for the employment of those included in the movement. Whether the applications are being filled in the order in which they are received, I cannot say. However I shall be glad to make a statement on that point later.

Mr. DESMOND:

May I say that if there is any confusion regarding immigrants from Holland and if there is any question about their acceptance, they are all quite acceptable in Kent county.

Hon. LIONEL CHEVRIER (Minister of Transport):

Just as soon as it possibly can, after the naming ceremony.